In an era when complex challenges and divisive topics often dominate the conversation, leaders must find ways to bring their communities together - especially when stakes and emotions run high. In this interactive and practical session, Dr. Jill Siler - former superintendent and author of Thrive Through the Five - shares a framework for building trust, fostering open dialogue, and navigating difficult conversations with clarity and respect. Participants will explore how to design meaningful engagement experiences, communicate facts and context transparently, frame discussions in ways that invite collaboration, and keep the focus on what matters most: the success and well-being of students. You'll leave with strategies to facilitate productive conversations, acknowledge differing perspectives, and guide your community toward shared solutions - even when the topic is challenging and the room is divided.

Learn the four essential steps to reduce chronic stress, prevent burnout, and balance the demands of life and work. By addressing stress at its root, you can live each day from a place of calm and confidence—more easily than you might think!

Learn the 4 key elements of a healthy foundation: de-stress, eat, move, and sleep your way to a healthier, happier you. Learn simple, practical ways to nourish your mind and body—without the overwhelm.

Learn how student-led initiatives like the Student Education Advisory Council amplify student voices to transform school culture. This session equips administrators and educators with strategies to engage students in collaborative forums, strengthen relationships, and promote positive climate. Discover systems that empower students as partners in decision-making for lasting change district-wide.

This session provides school and district leaders with a practical overview of Title IX and best practices for fostering safe, equitable learning environments. Participants will explore roles and responsibilities, reporting and response protocols, including how to appropriately react and respond to allegations, and strategies for addressing concerns with professionalism, consistency, and care. Emphasis is placed on prevention, compliance, and building trust with students, staff, and families.

In this session, a middle school principal shares how re-imagining the daily schedule can create space for what matters most: student connection, social-emotional learning, and targeted interventions. Learn how one school made strategic shifts to include daily advisory, intervention blocks, and community-building time without adding minutes to the school day. 

Strong systems grow strong leaders; the most powerful leadership development happens from within. This session explores how principals mentoring principals builds leadership capacity, strengthens systems, and creates a sustainable leadership pipeline across a district. Participants examine a practical, scalable mentoring model, learn strategies for leveraging principal expertise, and leave with tools to launch or strengthen principal-to-principal mentoring.

This session shares how one high school built a simple, accountable intervention system that teachers have bought into and actually use. Participants will learn how growth data identifies students, how progress is checked regularly, and how teams make adjustments when interventions aren't working. The session highlights improved state test results, individual student success stories, and the daily work of teachers whose shared commitment and follow-through make the system successful.

This session examines how Lancaster Elementary in Garrard County moved from low-performing status to a Blue-rated school by redefining accountability as a tool for trust and instructional coherence.

Participants will:

School safety remains at the forefront of every community conversation. In this session, we'll focus on recognizing warning signs, strengthening relationships, and building systems of support. We'll examine the influence of social media and explore how we can better equip everyone to respond. Prevention is not a program. It's a mindset. When we commit to knowing our students, building trust, and acting on concern, we create schools where everyone shares responsibility. We are all on duty.

Kentucky attendance data show ongoing chronic absenteeism requiring an intentional system response. This session examines attendance trends and contributing factors, including how strengthening school connectedness supports engagement. Participants will explore a research-based, tiered framework integrating prevention, early intervention, and re-engagement, with Kentucky examples demonstrating how aligning relationships and systems improves attendance outcomes.

Participants will collaborate to explore MTSS system design, including how data review, Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, enrichment, and staffing align within an intervention-focused master schedule. Attendees will examine how AI-supported tools and high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) strengthen MTSS decision-making and instructional planning. Through shared reflection, leaders will identify practical, replicable strategies to build equitable, sustainable MTSS systems.

Gen Z teachers bring energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to equity, but traditional coaching models may miss the mark with them. In this session, participants will apply coaching strategies and design feedback approaches shaped by the values and communication preferences of Gen Z educators. Attendees will leave with practical tools for strengthening instructional coaching relationships with their colleagues.

AI is already apart of school leadership-it even helped create this session! AI doesn't replace school leaders but it can help you get home on time. This session weaves practical, real-world applications administrators can immediately use for communication, planning, feedback, and daily efficiency. Participants will learn how to model responsible AI use, support teachers with meaningful time-saving strategies, and integrate AI ethically and professionally into daily leadership practice.

Today’s educators and administrators are navigating a profession unlike any before. A growing number of teachers report frequent job-related stress, with burnout at an all-time high and mental health demands requiring urgent attention. This session blends current research with hands-on activities to equip teachers and school leaders with practical strategies to support their well-being and foster a healthier school culture.

Leading a staff that spans from Boomers to Gen Z can feel like being "shot out of a cannon" every single morning. When communication gaps exist between veteran educators and early-career teachers, leadership quickly devolves into "putting out fires" rather than building a cohesive culture on core values. If our buildings feel messier or more energetic than usual, it's often because our leadership systems haven't kept pace with our staff's generational needs.

Join KASA's Rhonda Caldwell and Bob Rowland for timely update of the new federal K-12 tax credit program and its potential impact on public education systems, funding structures, and student services. Participants will explore the mechanics of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), the emerging education marketplace, and the long-term implications for public schools, accountability, equity, and local governance. The session will also examine strategies districts, foundations, and education organizations can use to respond proactively, including considerations for forming SGOs, supporting student access, and adapting to a rapidly changing educational landscape. Designed specifically for education leaders, this session will offer practical insights, emerging trends, and critical questions school systems should be preparing to address now. The session will wrap up with discussion to hear from colleagues as to how their district is taking advantage of this dollar for dollar tax credit.

Research shows coherent curriculum alignment drives student achievement - yet for most principals, the time it requires makes it aspirational rather than actual. This session demonstrates how generative AI cam accelerate that work within PLC teams without replacing human judgement. Participants will practice AI-assisted alignment strategies and leave with replicable protocols for responsible AI integration in instructional leadership.

Conquering Confrontation gives school leaders a practical, high impact framework for handling tough conversations with confidence and precision. Grounded in self awareness, emotional regulation, active listening, and intentional planning. This fast paced session helps participants de-escalate conflict, build trust, and move people toward clear solutions. Leaders will leave with actionable tools and a ready to use conversation planner for their next high stakes interaction.

Reading, Math, Behavior, Oh My! This session features educators from Robert B Turner Elementary in Anderson County, a blue school in the top 9% of KY elementary schools, who built a robust MTSS system from the ground up. Participants will leave with practical suggestions for managing, implementing and maintaining a system of excellence that is data driven and child focused in the three areas of reading, math and behavior. Free resources will be provided.

Step into a playful, yet impactful exploration of innovative AI tools designed to spark creativity, boost productivity, and add a touch of fun to your leadership bag of tricks. Tailored for school leaders and district leaders, this session blends discovery with discussions as we drive into tools that are as practical as they are quirky. From solving real-world challenges to uncovering whimsical possibilities, you'll leave with fresh ideas ti implement in your district and maybe even a few tools you never knew you needed. Whether you're looking for serious solutions or just a bit of fun, this session is your recess for inspiration and discovery.

Join us for an insightful session on the essential steps and considerations for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into district policy. We will explore how to effectively introduce AI in educational setting, focusing on developing student and staff handbooks, acceptable-use policies, and obtaining parent consent. Our discussion will include setting grade-band expectations for when and how AI should be introduced or discussed in the classroom. We will address critical questions such as: When is it appropriate to rely on AI for cognitive tasks, and when should individuals retain the learning experience for themselves. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive "Before You Buy" AI software checklist to guide decision-making prior to purchasing AI tools. Key aspects to consider will include data storage practices and the importance of reviewing software updates in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the integrations of AI in your district!

This hands-on session moves beyond theory and into immediate application. Participants will explore AI tools they can begin using right away. Using Examples relevant to their own work, attendees will learn how to transform data into interactive webpages, create focused research notebooks with NotebooksLM, and even build a basic bot or agent, such as a contract review assistant or a school crisis scenario tool for response practice. This session is designed to empower leaders with practical skills, confidence, and personalized tools that enhance decision-making and day-to-day leadership work.

Many districts have a Profile of a Graduate, but bringing it to life requires a different approach. In this panel, superintendents of Clark County and Simpson County share how servant leadership serves as that approach—using a shared purpose to drive their work. Clark County reflects on more than a year of impact, while Simpson County shares its early momentum. Learn practical strategies to move beyond words on paper and create meaningful, system-wide change.

School leaders play a key role in shaping the impact of physical education. This session helps administrators understand what standards-based, high-quality PE looks like—and why it matters for student success. Participants will explore the connection between movement, brain function, behavior, and achievement, and learn practical “look-fors” to support and evaluate PE teachers. Leave with the tools to champion strong programs that advance whole-child outcomes and support school improvement goals.

Too often, trauma-informed professional learning stops at the “why”—explaining trauma responses without giving leaders a clear path to build a whole-school culture that consistently supports students and staff. Hallways That Heal moves beyond theory to deliver a practical toolkit for creating a unified, trauma-informed school climate. Participants will leave with concrete strategies and real-life guidance grounded in the presenter’s dual perspectives as both an administrator and an adoptive mother.

This session clarifies the role of instructional coaches within a school system and emphasizes the importance of strong relationships in driving effective coaching and adult learning. Participants will explore practical strategies for differentiating support based on teacher needs, data, and context, while also learning how to manage time and coaching responsibilities efficiently. The session connects instructional coaching to school improvement goals and administrator effectiveness, providing clear, actionable takeaways.

Come join Andrew in this early morning session to Master Your Mornings. What are the routines, structures, and habits you can put into place to jumpstart your day? Want to wake up earlier? Want to be more focused on your personal & professional life? Want to get that morning workout in? In this proactive, self-care session, Andrew dives into the following:

• Mastering the first 60-75 minutes of each day
• Making time to do the things you want to do
• Build a shut-down evening routine
• SAVERS: how to start your day by using SAVERS
• Books, distractions, zoning in, and more

It is challenging to lead if you are not filling your cup first. Make the important thing the important thing and get it done daily, and early. Keep Surviving & Thriving!

Want to have better, stronger relationships with your stakeholders? Tired of getting/feeling “beat-up?” Want to improve your public speaking and communication skills? Have people coming at you way too hard and unsure how to best handle it? Need some effective strategies? Feel like you are being too reactive instead of more proactive in your relationships? In this energy-filled workshop, Andrew will lead you through a variety of strategies, techniques, tips, and hacks that will help improve your overall communication and interactions with your stakeholders: staff, students, and parents. A few examples include difficult one-on-one conversations, body language, the ladder of active listening, how to own the large assembly setting, E + R = O, and your school and office energy, successful vs. significant, and more. The goal of this workshop is to become more confident, comfortable, and prepared to handle the many complex and challenging social situations that are rapidly coming at school leaders in today’s world.

Looking to breakthrough at your school? Want that amazing school setting that you hear about, but few attain? Do you desire to make a lasting impact at your school community? Collaborate and grow with Andrew as he leads this powerful conversation about creating an amazing school setting. Topics include...

• Bringing amazing energy each day
• Creating student voice & choice
• Using technology & social media to tell your story
• Inspect what you expect, being present, being intentional
• Build a beautiful school setting and keep it that way!
• Smile, humor, and finding joy in it all You can’t do it alone.

Andrew will share strategies for building collective commitments from stakeholders to build a school you students are excited to attend.

Bring the challenging questions you and your team are facing. In this collaborative session, we will work together to identify effective strategies for addressing complex situations involving parents and staff. Drawing on the experience of Teresa Combs and fellow directors, participants will gain practical insights and guidance from leaders who have navigated similar challenges.

Special Education and Section 504 law encompass hundreds of federal and state regulations that can be difficult to navigate. Come prepared with your most pressing questions about implementing Special Education and Section 504 services for public school students. Engage directly with an experienced attorney in this area of law and gain practical insights you can apply immediately.

Violations of disciplinary protections for students with disabling conditions are not just violations of the students’ rights to a free appropriate public education. Courts may determine that such violations constitute discrimination under federal and state disability laws, which may result in monetary damages against the district and, in serious cases, against individual administrators. These violations can also result in EPSB actions against administrator and teaching certificates. Come and learn rules you must follow to protect the civil rights of students and to protect yourself from liability for such violations.

School Safety 101 is an informational session focused on the important details and considerations that are often overlooked or absent from safe school plans or crisis manuals. This session is centered on proactive preparation rather than reactive response and is designed to create thoughtful dialogue and self-reflection among the participants. The goal is for the participants to leave with additional concepts and content to evaluate and include in their safety manuals, future professional learning, and practice to enhance student and staff safety.

Big events bring big energy—and big responsibility. Are you truly prepared? This session equips school leaders with the tools and mindset to proactively plan for safety, security, and smooth execution before the crowds arrive. From athletic events to graduations and community gatherings, participants will focus on the behind-the-scenes work that determines success.

Every principal works to create a school where students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn each day. This session invites principals to rethink school nutrition as a powerful strategy that shapes attendance, behavior, and school culture. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how intentional partnerships with school nutrition leaders can increase participation and reinforce a sense of care and belonging—helping students arrive ready to learn and stay engaged.

We don’t have an alternative education problem—we have a design problem. Too often, students are placed into systems that were never built with them in mind. This session explores how to move beyond placement-driven practices and create flexible, student-centered programs grounded in connection, accountability, and purpose. Walk away with actionable strategies to redesign your program for stronger student outcomes.

Gen Z (the igenereration) is graduating from college and entering the teacher workforce. They are technoholics who bring the strengths of self-awareness and entrepreneurism to our schools. As students, they experienced k-12 education amidst standards and accountability movementism the rise of school shootings, and a recession. Their experiences as students shape their view of school and the teaching profession differently than their older colleagues. In this session we will unpack the characteristics of Gen Z, what these characteristics mean for them as teachers, and share strategies for supporting them as they begin their teaching careers.

Teachers born after 1997, members of Gen Z, are a generation of teachers who see and experience teaching differently than generations before them. Gen Z is diverse, connected, technoholic, socially conscious, and pragmatic. Their needs as novice teachers are different from generations before them. In this session we will explore specific practices school leaders can use to support Gen Z teachers through induction and mentoring.

This interactive session will provide K–5 educational leaders with a practical and scalable framework for expanding literacy beyond the traditional reading block and creating a school-wide culture where reading happens throughout the entire day. Participants will explore the power of the 20/20/20 approach: 20 minutes of purposeful reading during the literacy block, 20 minutes embedded across content areas such as science, social studies, and math, and 20 minutes of reading at home. Grounded in research on reading volume, knowledge-building, and literacy development, educators will examine how intentional access to authentic, engaging texts can accelerate reading achievement and strengthen student outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and leadership tools to build systems that support reading across classrooms, content areas, and home environments—creating the conditions for students to develop the habits, skills, and confidence of lifelong readers.

This interactive session will explore the power of thoughtfully built classroom and in-home libraries to strengthen literacy, increase student engagement, and support academic growth. Research continues to demonstrate that access to high-quality books and independent reading opportunities plays a critical role in developing strong readers and building the knowledge students need for long-term academic success. Participants will examine how libraries that include a broad range of experiences, perspectives, topics, and voices can help students expand background knowledge, deepen understanding, and make meaningful connections to the world around them. Through research, practical examples, and actionable strategies, educators will learn how to curate book collections that foster curiosity, strengthen knowledge-building, increase reading motivation, and create opportunities for students to explore new ideas and experiences through reading. Participants will leave with tools and resources (actual books) to build engaging literacy environments that support stronger readers, richer learning experiences, and the development of confident, capable, and lifelong learners.

As Kentucky expands access to high-quality prekindergarten, leaders are looking for practical, cost-effective ways to strengthen school readiness and build the foundation for later reading success. One of the most powerful places to start is also one of the most accessible: children’s oral language. In this interactive session, participants will explore how big conversations with little learners help build vocabulary, comprehension, background knowledge, and confidence as young children prepare to become readers. Leaders will examine practical classroom “look-fors” connected to rich read-aloud, responsive teacher-child interactions, intentional questioning, and language-building routines that can be used throughout the Pre-K day. Participants will also explore ways to extend oral language beyond the classroom through family engagement, home reading routines, and community-connected activities that support school readiness. The session will include hands-on examples, practical takeaways, and partner insights from districts using Scholastic early learning resources to support children, teachers, and families

Sextortion is a rapidly growing threat impacting students—and school leaders must be prepared to respond. This session equips administrators with the knowledge to recognize warning signs, understand how sextortion occurs, and take immediate, appropriate action. Participants will examine real-world scenarios, legal considerations, and the emotional impact on students and families. Learn how to strengthen reporting protocols, support victims, and partner effectively with law enforcement and digital safety experts. This session also highlights prevention strategies, including staff awareness and student education. Walk away with practical tools to respond with confidence and lead proactive efforts that protect students in an increasingly digital world.

Stay informed on the latest developments in Kentucky’s assessment system, including the college admissions exam. Participants will learn about upcoming changes to the accountability system set to take effect in the 2026–2027 school year and what these shifts may mean for educators and leaders. Representatives from the Kentucky Department of Education will be on hand to address your questions and engage in discussion.

Is your school truly safer because of the procedures and practices you have in place? This practical, results-focused training is designed for school administrators who want to move beyond compliance and ensure their safety efforts are making a real impact. Participants will examine current protocols, identify gaps between practice and effectiveness, and explore strategies to strengthen prevention, response, and recovery efforts. The session emphasizes actionable steps and real-world application so that every safety measure in your school contributes to better outcomes for students and staff.

Join KASA's general counsel for an important session on state and federal law changes and other issues that impact Kentucky schools and the administrators who lead them.

Every district has a story to tell. The question is: who do you want telling it? This session provides the firsthand perspective of a new superintendent leading a district through financial crisis, organizational instability, and community uncertainty while intentionally rebuilding trust, culture, and fiscal health. Participants will explore practical strategies for shaping public perception through transparent communication, intentional climate and culture leadership, and proactive community engagement. A major focus will be on leveraging social media, particularly Facebook, as a leadership tool to celebrate successes, communicate difficult realities, and reclaim the district narrative before others define it for you. This session is designed for leaders seeking actionable ideas for strengthening trust, managing community relations, and using storytelling as a strategic leadership practice.

This session will focus on strengthening system-wide coherence through the effective implementation of High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIR). Designed for principals and district leaders, participants will explore how the new Kentucky Department of Education Curriculum Implementation Monitoring Toolkit enables leaders to observe, measure, and support effective use of high-quality instructional resources in classrooms. Participants will explore key leadership actions that promote alignment across curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and leave with practical strategies to support educators in using HQIR to improve student learning experiences and outcomes.

Human trafficking is not a distant issue-it's happening in our communities, and our schools are on the front lines. This powerful session equips school administrators with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking affecting students. Participants will explore how trafficers target vulnerable youth, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and the critical role schools play in early identification and intervention. Learn how to build staff awareness, strenthen reporting protocols, and collaboare effectely with law enforcement and community partners.